Nnamdi Kanu Firmly Rejects FG’s Request For Trial Resumption

Nnamdi Kanu has rejected the federal government’s request to resume his trial, emphasizing the need to respect Justice Binta Nyako’s recusal from the case.

Nnamdi Kanu, the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), has turned down the Nigerian federal government’s move to resume his ongoing trial.

The controversy began when Justice Binta Nyako of the Federal High Court recused herself from handling Kanu’s case on September 24, following an oral request made by Kanu himself. Kanu had explicitly expressed his loss of confidence in her ability to handle his trial fairly, prompting the judge to step aside and forward the case file to the chief judge for reassignment.

However, Chief Judge John Tsoho later returned the case to Justice Nyako, insisting that Kanu must submit a formal motion through a notice before the court would consider any judicial reassignment.

On December 5, the prosecution counsel, Adegboyega Awomolo, addressed a letter to the Deputy Chief Registrar, requesting the court to set a date for trial resumption.

In response, Kanu’s lawyer, Aloy Ejimakor, opposed the trial resumption request in a letter dated December 9. He maintained that the previous decision by Justice Nyako to recuse herself remained valid and binding, emphasizing that no formal court order had overturned her withdrawal from the case.

Ejimakor further argued that continuing with the trial under the same judge could mislead the court and violate constitutional principles, as the judge had already stepped down from the case.